Nutrition Facts with Dr. Greger Wake Up and Smell the Saffron
Aug 28, 2025
Discover the incredible health benefits of the Crocus sativus flower. Learn how saffron can enhance visual acuity in those with age-related macular degeneration. Explore its surprising effects on erectile dysfunction and PMS. Plus, uncover saffron's potential as a natural antidepressant. This episode is packed with fascinating insights that could inspire your next supplement choice!
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Pigmented Foods May Protect Eyes
- Pigmented foods like blueberries and purple sweet potato showed protective effects on retinal pigment epithelium cells in vitro.
- Human trials on berries showed reduced eye strain and quicker photostress recovery, though macular trials are limited.
Small Saffron Dose Helps Vision
- Small saffron doses (20 mg/day) improved retinal flicker sensitivity and visual acuity in early age-related macular degeneration patients.
- Larger doses (50 mg/day) produced similar effects, suggesting more is not necessarily better.
Prefer The Cost-Effective 20 mg Dose
- Use the smallest effective saffron dose (20 mg/day) for cost-efficiency since higher doses showed no added benefit.
- This dose costs roughly $0.15/day versus $0.40/day for 50 mg, which adds up over time.
